Note: Javascript is disabled or is not supported by your browser. For this reason, some items on this page will be unavailable. For more information about this message, please visit this page: About CDC.gov.

Hod carrier dies and three co-workers injured in fall from rolling tower scaffold in California.

A 29-year old hod carrier (decedent) died and three co-workers were injured when they fell from the fourth story of a pump house building that was under construction. The decedent and three co-workers were spraying fireproof insulation onto the structural steel frame of the building. They used a rolling tower scaffold to gain access to the structural steel overhead. Putlogs (types of trusses) had been added to sides of the rolling tower scaffold on which an extension platform had been constructed. This platform was used to gain access to the outer side of the structural steel. A fourth worker (the decedent) joined his three co-workers to help install a guardrail. Their combined weight caused the scaffold to tip and throw them to the concrete deck 44 feet below. The scaffold had not been engineered for the extension platform. No counterweights, anchorage or bracing were used. Neither the decedent nor his coworkers were wearing personal fall protection. The scaffold was constructed using parts from different manufacturers. The CA/FACE investigator determined that, in order to prevent future occurrences, employers should as part of their Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP): 1. ensure scaffolds are constructed according to manufacturer's recommendations or are properly designed/engineered. 2. ensure employees follow safe work practices when constructing scaffolds. 3. ensure employees do not exceed scaffold load limits given by the manufacturer or by the engineer.